For the last 35 years, Putter Bert has enthusiastically advocated and encouraged children of all ages to explore the art of play. As the CEO of KidsQuest Children's Museum, Putter has carved out a career defined by her personal brand of devotion, vision, and unwavering commitment to kids of all ages.

Putter's path began during her time studying Art, Education, and Economics at Bennington College. The college's unique closure for Winter Term provided Putter the opportunity to intern and volunteer at the Boston Children's Museum. This experience sparked a lifelong commitment to advocating for space dedicated to the intersection between play and education. After graduating, Putter returned to the Boston Children’s Museum as an exhibit designer, and later took on the role of Director of Exhibits and Education at the New Hampshire Children's Museum. Her innovative approach to creating engaging educational experiences quickly established her as a leader in the field.

Putter's journey then led her to Arkansas, where she was the founding Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Arkansas. Her leadership style and vision for what’s possible set her apart in the space and paved the way for her eventual move to Washington State. She moved across the country to become the Executive Director of the Children's Museum of Tacoma. Then, in 1999, she was given the opportunity to develop, fundraise, and build a new museum. Her vision came to fruition in 2005, when she and her team opened KidsQuest Children's Museum.

In 2017, KidsQuest moved to its current location in downtown Bellevue. The transition from their Factoria location was marked by the tradition of servant leadership and generosity of the mission; the beloved water exhibit was donated to a children’s museum in San Salvador, with Putter attending the grand opening in El Salvador. Other exhibits were either donated or sold to smaller museums, adhering to the environmentally-focused spirit while ensuring that hands-on interactive education continues to inspire children in other communities.

Under Putter's leadership, KidsQuest has grown into a destination for playful learning in the Bellevue community. The Museum's budget, now at $3.5 million annually post-COVID, reflects its expansive role and the regional support it receives. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, only part of the Museum's funding comes from admission sales. The remaining 50% is raised from foundations, corporate sponsorships, government grants, and generous individual donors. These gifts are always in need and critical to the success of KidsQuest. This diversification of funding ensures that all children and families can participate, regardless of their economic background.

The Museum's success is a collective effort, with a cohesive team including 17 board members, 43 staff members, and a stable of volunteers, all committed to the Museum's mission. One of the annual highlights is Imagination Celebration, KidsQuest’s annual fundraiser. On October 19th, 350 fans of the Museum will gather to center their evening around play, where attendees are given the opportunity to reconnect with their inner child while raising funds. Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Superintendent of the Bellevue School District, will be in attendance, underscoring the museum's importance to the local community.

Today, the museum is thriving while continually adapting to meet the needs of Bellevue's dynamic community. KidsQuest hosts summer camps, preschool, and school-aged programs focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning, fostering creativity and critical thinking in young minds. Additionally, the museum offers corporate leadership training, emphasizing the importance of play and creativity in a corporate environment. Though KidsQuest is at capacity in its current location, Putter is excited about future expansions that will allow for even more innovative offerings.

Putter resides in Tacoma with her husband, Paul, who is a Sign Language Interpreter. They have three kids--Hally, the oldest, who is an Urban Planner in Albuquerque; Mason, who is currently applying to law school; and Tower, who is a counselor at a youth homeless shelter.  

Putter's love for her work is evident in her interactions with the children, educators, thinkers, and creatives in the area. She feels privileged to be a part of KidsQuest Children's Museum, and her leadership continues to inspire all who are involved with this beloved institution. As KidsQuest looks to the future, the community eagerly anticipates the continued growth and impact of this unique institution dedicated to the art of play for generations to come.